Kowalski on -- Free agency

In the Lions forum, Tom attempts to answer a few questions related to the team's own free agents as well as guys outside the organization that may fit well in Detroit.

1.18.05 - GGM: Any progress on McDougal, do they even know how much he wants?

TomKowalski: Late Feb ... there aren't a lot of things happening right now ... my guess is that the lions will make their pitch (which probably won't be what mcdougle is looking for) at the 11th hour ... then mcdougle will test the waters ... i think if mcdougle re-signs it'll be because he didn't get the high offers from other teams ... then again, you only need one team to fall in love with him ...

1.18.05 - flionlion: Raiola? contract progress? Also have the Lions identified who they want in FA?

TomKowalski: Still working ... the lions are putting together their free agency list right now ... as for names, i don't have any right now ...

1.18.05 - GGM: Any idea is Mirer stays as 3rd string qb, or we get another young guy to develop there this year?

TomKowalski: Mirer not expected to return

1.18.05 - PontiacLion: Tom, any chance ... the Lions would look at signing UFA Muslin Muhammed as a WR pickup for next season? He's from Detroit, and let's just briefly imagine this three WR set: Williams, Rogers and Muhammed. I call it the Pick Your Poison offense.

TomKowalski: Back to the OC ... i think the philosophy of the new offensive coordinator -- how much will he use a three-receiver set -- has a lot to do with the quality of the third receiver they go after ... still, muhammad seems a little too rich ...

1.20.05 - Shota: Rod Gardner ... Rumor has it that the Redskins would part with this former 1st round draft pick for a 3rd or a 4th. Would the Lions consider giving up a 4th round pick for him?

TomKowalski: I think that's extremely unlikely

1.20.05 - hankerhunkca: WR question... on another site, in an interview with Roy Williams, he said the two biggest leaders on the 'O' were Woody and Tai Streets... Will this affect Streets future with the Leos, and if he goes which FA's do you see being a good fit behind CRog and Roy??? Thanx in advance...

TomKowalski: No, it won't be a factor

1.28.05 - Shota: Tom - Free Agents Tom, have any specific names out there been mentioned that the Lions might target in Free Agency? Any Guards? Safties? 3rd down WRs?

TomKowalski: No names yet ... and there won't be any coming out anytime soon ... the lions don't want to reveal their game plan ... which is smart ... we can speculate all we want -- which i won't do at this point because it's too early -- but we don't really know ..

1.28.05 - nobottle2002: Tom Lion FA dealings Any word if the Lions are working with any of their own FAs right now? If so, which ones?

TomKowalski: Nothing yet ... you won't see a lot of action on the signings until late feb., right before the free agent deadline on march 2 ...

1.28.05 - AngeIus: WDFN question(s)... On my way in this morning, I heard you on WDFN, & you said (your words not Mariuccis), but that Mariucci would like McMahon back for 2005, as he believes he is better than any of the available FAs out there for #2BUT, others in the organization (assuming Millen is one) wants nothing to do with McMahon, & doesnt believe he will be a quality QB First Question? Who is in charge of player personnel? Second Question? (IF) there is a major split between Mariucci & Millen on the #2 QB, who wins the argument?

TomKowalski: Interesting ... they'll hammer it out together ... mooch likes mcmahon better than millen does ... that's obvious ... but it'll be a team decision, along with other voices ... millen is responsible for personnel, but he's not going to give mooch players he doesn't want ... it's a delicate balance but they've done pretty well with it so far ...

1.28.05 - StillLost: With the potential retirement of Tai Streets and the significant chance that Hakim will be gone next year, the Lions will obviously have a need at WR. Do you expect that they will address that through FA, Draft, or with their current backups?

TomKowalski: Free agency

1.28.05 - TJC: Tom: Darius/Bryant Has Bryant been vocal about trying to get Donovan Darius in Detroit, since they played together in JAX?

TomKowalski: Darius ... the lions were interested in darius last year, but i don't know if that interest remains ... and i don't know what role -- if any -- bryant plays in it ...

1.29.05 - MrCarl: Kenoy Kennedy ... Do you know if he's on their radar, or is he too much of a headcase?

TomKowalski: He's the right age ... i think the lions will take a look at him ... have no idea of their level of interest at this point, though ...